When leaders who have faced sustained public scrutiny over their own records step forward to lecture others on integrity, the burden of credibility becomes heavier not lighter.
That is the uncomfortable position Rigathi Gachagua now finds himself in.
In recent public remarks from Murang’a, Gachagua has sharply criticised William Ruto over wealth accumulation and governance. In a democracy, such criticism is legitimate. Indeed, it is necessary. But it also invites equal scrutiny of the accuser.
The impeached former Deputy President, barred from holding any public office, stands accused of amassing a Sh5.2 billion empire in just two years — against an official salary of Sh24 million annually.
At the heart of his 2024 impeachment motion: Outspan Hotel snapped up for Sh535 million in November 2023 through proxy Crystal Kenya Ltd; Treetops Hotel; Olive Gardens; Vipingo Beach Resort; Queensgate Serviced Apartments; Lang’ata high-rises; sprawling Nyeri farmlands; and Embakasi plots. Family firms — Calvary Creed International, Mothers of the Land, Spirit Way and Grand Bypass Apartments — complete the empire.
Even darker is the family betrayal. Widow Margaret Karungaru Nderitu has petitioned the Assets Recovery Agency, alleging Gachagua coerced his cancer-stricken brother Nderitu on a London deathbed to name him executor, then seized Olive Gardens, Vipingo Beach Resort, Queensgate Apartments and 10 Lang’ata units. She claims he pocketed Sh20 million left for their mother, Sh16 million earmarked for a nephew’s education, and sold everything at throwaway prices with a “take it or leave it” sneer. President Ruto had to appoint her to government to shield the widow and children from destitution.
This is the man now thundering from Murang’a pulpits about Ruto’s “trillions.” The impeached tribalist with a documented track record of dispossessing his own blood has zero moral authority to lecture Kenyans on integrity.
Glass house. Stones flying. The con is laid bare.
